Running Start is a program that allows select, qualified, academically motivated students enrolled in Illinois District 511 public high schools an opportunity to earn both their high school diploma and Associate degree concurrently by attending Rock Valley College (RVC) full-time during their junior and/or senior years of high school. Students are able to accomplish this through a formal agreement between the college and each selected school district so that the courses taken for dual credit simultaneously meet the requirements for both a high school diploma and an Associate degree. The Running Start program is administered through the First Year Experience (FYE) & High School Connections (HSC) office at RVC, working closely with counselors at the high schools.
Running Start provides an opportunity for students to work in a more challenging educational environment and to excel academically while completing high school and college requirements. While attending RVC, students earn credits toward an Associate degree and can transfer to a four-year institution in the same manner as other community college students. An important element of the Running Start program requires students to be both academically and socially ready for college. Students may also choose to maintain involvement in high school activities such as student government or sports. Running Start provides a tremendous advantage to students who want to shorten the amount of time needed for completion of a college degree. An additional advantage of the program is that students reduce their overall college costs since they do not pay college tuition during their time in the Running Start program. This financial arrangement between the high school and RVC does not extend to textbooks. The cost of textbooks is the responsibility of the students and their families.
Running Start Program Timeline
Pre-selection of students
High Schools submit a list of prequalified students to RVC High School Connections office by October 31, 2012, at 5:00 pm.
- Pre-selection criteria for students will include:
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- On track for HS graduation by the end of their sophomore year (for two-year program)
- On track for HS graduation by the end of their junior year (for 1 yr Engineering & Science programs)
- Have a minimum of 3.0 GPA cumulative in high school and a 3.0 GPA in core courses - Math, Science, and English at the time of application
- Completed Algebra II and Geometry with a grade of "B" or higher before starting the program
- Completed high school chemistry with a grade of "B" or higher before starting the program
Info sessions
This is an opportunity for students and families to learn about the program and ask questions. Info sessions are held at Rock Valley College.
Application
Due to HSC by Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Running Start applications will be given to high school counselors by the High School Connections office for the selected students to fill out; completed applications will be submitted to the Rock Valley College High School Connections office.
Testing
RVC Testing must be completed by February 1, 2013. A photo ID is required for all testing. The Testing Center is located on the lower level of the Student Center on the main campus. Individual testing is available January 2, 2013 – February 1, 2013.
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Walk-in: Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm; Tuesday, Wednesday 3:00 – 6:00 pm
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By appointment: Thursday evening (815) 921-2380
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Please identify yourself as a Running Start candidate
Group testing (maximum size 40) is available January 11 – February 1, 2013.
Appointments for group testing must be coordinated through the HSC office.
Testing Requirements:
Students will have a one-time opportunity to take the Rock Valley College ACCUPLACER placement test. Students must pass the one time test with minimum college-level test scores in reading, English and math. Minimum required ACCUPLACER Test Scores:
Reading 70
English 76
Math 81
Acceptance to Running Start
Acceptance Packets will be mailed to students on Wednesday, February 6, 2013.
Completed packet deadline: must be returned to the HSC office by Wednesday, February 20, 2013 by 5:00 pm
Upon successful completion of all high school requirements and the ACCUPLACER placement test, students will be notified of acceptance into the program and sent a Participation Agreement to complete and return.
- The Participation Agreement outlines requirements for the program regarding the required summer course, attendance (students must follow the Rock Valley College academic calendar and the instructors' syllabus), the Academic Honesty Standards and Procedures, and any other applicable College policies.
- Students will receive a copy of the Rock Valley College Student Handbook/ Student Code of Conduct, the Academic Honesty Standards and Procedures and be held responsible for the contents.
- Students must provide a valid email address on the Acceptance form for future Rock Valley College electronic communications and RVC technology account set-up.
- The required signatures on the Participation Agreement by student and parent enables the High School Connections office to share the student's academic record (i.e. transcripts, grades, attendance) with the high school, parent/guardian, as well as to be used for reports to the state and for presentations and publication.
Advising
Students' first semester in the program is laid out for them, following requirements of the Running Start program, their high school, and Rock Valley College's Associate of Arts or Associate in Science degrees. Students will meet with the Transition Advisor during the first semester to discuss their course options for the next semester.
RVC Technology Account set-up
Deadline March 1, 2013
Students accepted into the program are required to set up their online Rock Valley College accounts. Students will need to provide a valid email address on the Acceptance form.
Running Start Orientation
Students and families will be invited to attend a required Orientation session before summer classes begin.
Thursday, May 9, 2013, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Tuesday, May 14, 2013, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
STU 100: Planning for Success (1 credit RVC course)
Students will be enrolled in a two week summer STU 100 course designed for Running Start students. There are no exceptions to this summer requirement. Students must earn a "C" or better in this course to remain in the program.
Planning for Success is designed to introduce and connect the students to the RVC community and to assist the students in the active development of academic and personal goals. Students will work with instructors to learn strategies for their transition into college and students are responsible to be engaged in building the skills needed for college success. Course discussions will include academic preparation, self-awareness and RVC community resources.
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